During the COVID-19 pandemic our collaborating partners at HOBS in Sweden, have been working intensely to create digital activities and support our members in a time filled with anxiety for many.
Together with professionals and medical experts, we have been attempting to collect and coordinate answers to questions from the patient community, who due to COVID-19, are experiencing an increased worry and in many cases isolation.
Our aim was to create activities and to share knowledge with our members, this is so they know they’re not alone and that we are here to answer their questions, or listen if they need someone to talk to. We want to bring people together while staying safe in isolation.
One of our activities is a “walk and talk” on Mondays. During lunchtime, via zoom, we interview people who can answer questions or give a presentation of a current and important topic for our members. For example, we have met with Ximena Ramos Salas, Obesity Canada, who spoke about weight stigmatisation and discrimination in our society and the harm it has especially coming from the health care system.
We have also met with Erik Hemmingsson who has been an obesity researcher in Sweden for more than 20 years and who wrote the book “Slutbantat” (not yet translated into English). We hear him talk about some myths of obesity, the factors behind obesity and why dieting alone is not a solution in fighting obesity.
The video has been recorded in English and we are delighted to share it with you! It can be viewed here: Erik Hemmingsson Interview with HOBS Sweeden.